Bookworm Kadisha gets scholarship

Grandmother India Facey, Kadisha Mitchell and Tameka Wright were all smiles after receiving a scholarship made possible through Projects Abroad Jamaica. - Contributed

Tamara Bailey, Gleaner Writer

HUNTLEY, Manchester:

IMAGINE WALKING in the desert with a limited amount of water, seeing no other source and knowing you will have to make-do with what is left unless an oasis is seen.

This scenario in many cases describes the lives of Tameka Wright and her daughter Kadisha Mitchell who have lived with very little resources, but have seen their persistence and dedication work for them.

Toiling through school, maintaining her high grades and performing well in the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) are just a few of the reasons Mitchell was able to cop a scholarship to start secondary education.

A student of the Villa Road Primary and Junior High School, Manchester, Mitchell received a 92 per cent average in her examination, securing a placement at her first choice, Hampton School, located in St Elizabeth.

"This scholarship is a blessing, had it not been for it, then I don't know where I would be now," expressed Wright, a proud mother.

Made possible through the company Projects Abroad, Mitchell received a total of J$30,000 to help offset school fees, among other expenses.

"The scholarship fund is an initiative of Projects Abroad Jamaica where students of our teaching placements receive assistance in the form of scholarships, bursaries, and school supplies. These students must be doing exceptionally well and in need of financial aid. This year, eight students were selected; four received school supplies, two received bursaries valued at J$7,500 and two received scholarships valued at J$30,000. In addition to Kadisha who received a scholarship, Tajay Smith from McIntosh Memorial Primary who will be moving on to Knox College, received the second scholarship, only available for GSAT students," said Claudeen Stewart, project officer, Projects Abroad.

Mitchell, who has completed her first week of orientation is homesick already, but looking forward to the opportunities that abound.

"The last time I spoke to her, she said she was taking in the atmosphere and getting used to the environment," said Wright.

She continued: "I have no doubt she will do well ... from she started school, she has been a top student. She was a member of the school's Junior Schools' Challenge Quiz team, and I remember one day somebody came to me and said, 'Tell u daughter fi stop read pon di road, cyar wi lick her dung' ..., but she is just a bookworm, and if anybody got more than her in class, she would cry because she knows what she is capable of," her mother said.

Mitchell, who is unsure of what she wants to become, knows that not even the absence of lunch money can stop her from finishing high school and moving on to university.

Willing to work hard

"It's hard, and it's going to get harder, but I'm willing to work hard for my children, she is the first of four, and I'm expecting great things even when all she has is fare, she will go to school ... I have a very supportive partner, Gavin Colquehoun, who I must make mention because he tries his utmost with us."

Wright, who has worked several jobs in the past, is currently self-employed doing farming and praying that the crops yielded will help make ends meet.

"I worked as a sales rep, as a bartender, then a bar owner, but due to unfortunate circumstances, that is no more, and now I just do my little farming, and I am currently building a chicken coop and pray that I get help in getting some chicken," Wright told Rural Xpress.

She continued: "I don't want to really be someone who is always accepting handouts. I just want to be in a position where I can provide for my family, that's why I am in the process of searching for a job, whether it be babysitting or geriatric care, anything like that."